23 BODY IMAGE
If we are embarrassed about our bodies, we should
remember that kings and philosophers shit,
and so do ladies.
Michel Montaigne
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What do you think of your body shape and physical appearance?
Think about what you like. Focus your attention on these parts.
Stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eye and say, ‘I like
myself, I really do.’ Let your inner beauty shine through. Now do it
naked. Notice how you feel.
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Which parts of your body do you dislike?
Think about those you can do nothing about – your shoe size, the
length of your legs, birth marks, etc. As you look at yourself in the
mirror, acknowledge that this is how your body is and repeat the
affirmation:
‘This is me. I’m wonderful, aren’t I?’
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Now take the things about your body you don’t like and which canbe
changed, for example excess weight, poor muscle tone, greying hair and
smoking-related afflictions. Go through your list and mark those items
you are willing to work on with an asterisk. Consider a new hairstyle, a
touch of hair dye, a tattoo, cosmetic surgery, dieting, a fitness regime,
hypnotherapy to lose weight or quit smoking, contact lenses etc, all of
which can make a huge difference to your self-esteem.
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